Retrofit replacement mailbox door easily snaps in place

Published 5:10 pm, Monday, June 17, 2013

A few weeks ago I told you about some of the new products I had seen at the International Hardware Show. And one of them was a replacement mailbox door.

I can’t tell you how many times I have had customers come in complaining about their mailbox door. It’s either twisted and won’t close, or it’s missing completely. And if you just have a regular mailbox, you just replace the whole mailbox. Everybody is ok with that. However, if you have a mailbox that is bricked in ... well just replacing the mailbox is near to impossible to do.

Even if you can get the mailbox out of the brick ... you face the prospect of whether the new mailbox will fit in. Or if you can’t remove the mailbox, well there is the mason you have to call. And there is no guarantee that he can match the mortar on the mailbox. So now no one is happy ... until now! Retrofit is a replacement mailbox door. And you don’t even need a tool. Just remove the old mailbox lid, if it’s still attached. And then install the new Retrofit. It just snaps right in. It’s the neatest thing. And as always, I am kicking myself because I didn’t think of it. Now you don’t have to call a mason, and you don’t have to look at that damaged mailbox door. Your mailman will love you. It comes in two sizes, and three colors, black, white, and a stainless that you can paint in any color. And by the way ... Happy Father’s Day, to all the dads!

Question: I know I am wasting water. I have a old commode, and sometimes I have to flush the toilet twice to empty the bowl. And sometimes after I flush the toilet, just keeps running. I know you say don’t replace the toilet, but what can I do?

Answer: We are going to do two things. First you are going to clean the toilet with Delete Germ. It’s easy just put the Delete Germ in the over flow pipe in the tank, and let it work its way down through the rim and into the bowl. You can leave it overnight. In-fact a lot of my customers will put Delete Germ in the toilet when they go on vacation, and let it work all the time they are gone. It will work under the rim, and then below the water line. The toilet will flush so much better when the toilet is clean. After the toilet is clean, I want you to work on the flapper. Replace your old flapper with a Frugal Flush Flapper. It is adjustable and so you can dial your way to a better flushing toilet. You do both of these projects, and your toilet will be a water saver.

Question: I read your column weekly in the Bellaire newspaper. I clip your articles and I do believe that you talked about this ... but I can’t remember. My front door handset looks dreadful. It’s oil-rubbed bronze. I want to clean it and protect it ... do you have a answer? Do I have to replace it?

Answer: There is a great metal polish called All Gleam. It works on all kinds of metal, silver, chrome, pewter, brass, any kind of metal. The All Gleam will restore the luster on the handset. Now do yourself a favor and spray the handset with Superior Shield. That is a clear spray that will maintain the restored finish. If the door needs a little help ... try the Sun Shield. Your door will be looking good!

Johnnie Chuoke may be reached at the e-mail of happyhandyman2@yahoo.com. He can be reached at 210-341-1573 or mail can be sent to: Johnnie Chuoke’s Home & Hardware, 2361 NW Military, San Antonio, TX 78231.